Source: Food and Agriculture Organization
Country: Somalia
SWALIM Locates Source of the Kismayo Charcoal Pile
Charcoal production in Somalia is a serious problem and the environmental damage caused is a huge concern for the future generations. In September 2012, huge piles of charcoal were discovered in the Kismayo port of Somalia. Pictures of mountains of charcoal aired by local and international media caught the attention of the world, mainly because of the fragility of the land of Somalia, which is arid with little tree cover. It was estimated that the charcoal business from the port was in the tune of 25million US dollars every year. “Where could such large volumes of charcoal come from in such a dry country?” This was the question in the minds of all who saw these piles of charcoal.